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How to Make Slime without Contact Solution or Borax

So, the kids have been begging to make slime for weeks, and finally, you break down and say “yes.” But then you find out you don’t have any contact lens solution or borax powder. Does that mean you can’t make slime at all? Nope! This easy slime recipe teaches you how to make slime without contact solution or borax! This Epsom salt slime recipe is part of our slime recipes without contact solution series.

! This easy slime recipe teaches you how to make slime without contact solution or borax!

Of course, there are other activators for slime besides Epsom salt, such as baking soda, cornstarch, and even toothpaste, but this magnesium flake slime is totally unique!

So that is what sets it apart from other slime activators. And believe me, I’ve made slime using hundreds of recipes. You can see them all in this list of easy slime recipes.

How to Make Slime When You Don’t Have Contact Lens Solution

It’s not as challenging as you might think to find an alternative slime activator for borax or contact solution.

There are several options to choose from, but I’ve listed my three favorites below.

slime stem activity

What Can You Use Instead of Contact Solution and Borax for Slime?

You can use three separate slime activators rather than contact lens solution. The following are some of our favorite slime activators:

All of these activators produces slime with a distinct texture. The thickest slime is made with borax powder, which also helps to reduce slime sticking and messiness.

Liquid laundry starch makes a consistent slime with the texture of traditional slime or gak every time.

If you want to know how to make slime without contact solution or borax, then you can follow along with the printable directions below!

Elmer’s slime activator is a fusion between borax slime and liquid laundry starch slime that interacts with any brand of glue.

But for this recipe, we are using Epsom salt, because it creates a unique slime that is fun to play with and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin like some borax slime recipes can.

Slime Shopping List to Make Epsom Salt Slime

Here is what you’ll want to have on hand before attempting to make this slime recipe with salt!

You will need:

The Best Materials for Making Slime

Here is what you need to make every basic slime recipe on STEAMsational!

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Elmer’s White Glue

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Elmer’s Clear Glue

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Liquid Laundry Starch

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Borax Powder

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Slime Activator

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Soft Clay

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Biodegradable Glitter

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Measuring Cups and Spoons

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Craft Aprons

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Instant Snow

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Scentless Lotion

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Mixing Bowls

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Sharpie Markers

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Slime Containers

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Removable Labels

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Stirring Spoons

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Soap Dye

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Shaving Cream

You can find these slime ingredients at any local store, but for me, it’s often easiest to purchase my slime supplies in bulk and have them delivered to my house.

How to Make Slime without Borax or Contact Solution

If you want to know how to make slime without contact solution or borax, then you can follow along with the printable directions below!

And, watch the video in this post to see additional tips and tricks to make your slime recipe turn out right.

All-in-One Slime Kits

These slime craft kits include everything you need to make slime creation even easier!

All of these slime craft ideas show up right on your doorstep in just a few days!

girl playing with magnesium flake slime made from a slime activators list

If you get bored of making the same slime recipes over and over…

Try Our Other Slime Recipes without Contact Solution!

Here are some of our favorite creative slime recipes that my kids love to make over and over.

borax-free slime recipe made with magnesium flakes

To make slime play more educational and scientific, I created a science lesson, which you can download for free by clicking the link below!

slime stem activity

Read the step-by-step directions on how to make slime with Epsom salt below!

glow in the dark slime

How to Make Glow in the Dark Slime (without contact lens solution!)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Estimated Cost: $10

You don't need any dye at all to make crystal clear slime! This clear slime recipe is a favorite with my kids and they have made it dozens of times! If you follow along with our easy slime recipe, then you will learn how to make clear slime without contact solution in less than 10 minutes!

Materials

  • Clear Elmer's glue
  • Liquid laundry starch
  • Glow in the dark paint

Tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Metal fork
  • Plastic jars (for storing your slime)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of clear glue.
  2. Add 1/4 of a cup of glow in the dark paint.
  3. Measure one cup of laundry starch.
  4. While stirring with a metal fork, gradually pour in half of the starch.
  5. Stir until fully mixed.
  6. If the slime is still sticky, add the rest of the starch and stir.
  7. The slime should form into a solid ball in the middle of the container.
  8. Pull it out and knead it gently to completely activate the slime.
  9. Let the slime sit in the sun for a few hours to strengthen its glow.
  10. Take the slime into a dark room and play!

Notes

If your slime is stringy or too sticky, let it rest for 5 minutes. This gives the slime activator time to fully develop and will resolve most slime issues. You can rinse off any excess water that remains after the slime rests.

Kids should wear clothes you don't mind them messing up when playing with slime in the dark.

Recommended Products

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